A Kingdom Besieged

Book One of the Chaoswar Saga

About the Book

“Feist has the universe firmly under his control.”—Contra Costa Times

“Feist has a natural talent for keeping the reader turning pages.”—Chicago-Sun Times

Midkemia’s fifth and final Riftwar—the devastating Chaoswar—explodes in the opening volume of Raymond E. Feist’s spectacular new epic fantasy trilogy of magic, conflict, and world-shattering peril. A Kingdom Besieged is a breathtaking adventure that brings back Pug—first introduced in Feist’s classic debut novel, Magician, and now Midkemia’s most powerful sorcerer—who faces a major magical cataclysm that forces him to question everything he’s ever held as true and dear…including the loyalty of his beloved son Magnus. The Chaoswar promises to be the crowning achievement in the three decades-long career of a New York Times bestselling master fantasist who rules the sword and sorcery universe along with Terry Goodkind, George R. R. Martin, and Terry Brooks.

Book Description

After nearly thirty years and more than two dozen novels, Raymond E. Feist's Riftwar Cycle has become one of the most iconic, beloved, and enduring sagas in modern fantasy. The Riftwars—including the original Riftwar, the Serpentwar, the Darkwar, and the Demonwar—were epic battles between Good and Evil whose ramifications have echoed through generations. The latest entry in the epic, A Kingdom Besieged, ushers in the most fearsome threat the Kingdom has yet faced—the Chaoswar—a magic apocalypse with cataclysmic results.

A Kingdom Besieged

Years ago, the Empire of Great Kesh failed in its attempt to conquer Krondor after the Serpentwar, thanks to the bravery, cunning, and magic of the sorcerer Pug and the Conclave of Shadows. Since then, peace has benefitted both nations, and the Kingdom has been free from the threat of another Keshian invasion. Yet now, the dark clouds of war gather again. . . .

From the Far Coast in the west to the frontier with the Eastern Kingdoms, rumors, uncertainty, and political instability are rampant. Spies have gone missing—some were murdered while others have turned traitor. Factions are rising, powerful legions from the Keshian Confederacy have been mobilized, and an attack on the kingdoms of the Isles and Roldem is all but certain.

As the men of the Western Realm begin to mount a defense, Martin conDoin, the middle son of Lord Henry, Duke of Crydee, finds himself leading the charge against the invaders—like his legendary ancestor, Prince Arutha, who stood firm to the death against the Tsurani invasion. But Arutha had an entire army at his command. Martin has just a ragtag force comprised of a few old men and young boys.

As Kesh's invading hordes once again descend upon the Kingdom, no one is safe—not experienced masters of intrigue Lord James Dasher Jamison and the beguiling and deadly Lady Franciezka; not the brave warrior Knight-Adamant Sandreena and a new generation of loyal yet untested defenders; not even the great Pug himself, the most powerful magician the world of Midkemia has ever known. A threat far more terrifying has arisen, an evil whose burgeoning power portends Midkemia's demise. And soon even the Kingdom's enchanted defender will find himself questioning everything he's ever held abiding, true, and treasured . . . including the loyalty and desires of his beloved son, Magnus.

Educator and Librarian Resources

Critical Praise

“Originality and wit a rollicking tale Feist’s narrative skill, ingenuity at creating systems of magic, and eye for plausible militaryscenarios stand him in good stead. His many fans will be pleased.” —Booklist

“Sheer readability.” —San Francisco Chronicle

“[Feist] introduces a new dimension to his universe and added new depth to recurring characters while creating fascinating new heroes and villains. With a fast pace and clean, crisp storytelling, this fantasy saga belongs in most libraries.” —Library Journal

“Fast action, appealing characters, and a splendid setting will delight readers of fantasy and leave them eager for the next battle.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A massive, entertaining tale.” —Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

“There’s an evil sparkle here, brighter and hotter than any of Feist’s works since the Magician trilogy. The Dasati and their world are sumptuously realised . . . It’s an entertaining, at times intoxicating mixture.” —SF Site

“Feist brings a new world alive.” —The Oregonian (Portland)

“Originality and wit... A rollicking tale... [Feist’s] narrative skill, ingenuity at creating systems of magic, and eye for plausible military scenarios stand him in good stead. His many fans will be pleased.” —Booklist

“Feist has a natural talent for keeping the reader turning pages.” —Chicago-Sun Times

“This tale of shape-shifting magicians, human sacrifice, man-eating demons, and a little young love will satisfy Feist’s fans, and the ending will leave them waiting for another volume.” —Publishers Weekly

“A sensitive coming-of-age tale in which brutality and camaraderie are equally present, Feist’s newest saga has a freshness of vision that suggests it will avoid the staleness that often eats away at multi-volume epics.” —Publishers Weekly

“Another crowd-pleaser for Feist to add to his already impressive resume.” —Publishers Weekly on King of Foxes

“CLASSIC.” —Chicago Tribune

“Feist has the universe firmly under his control, and the adventure is grand[.]” —Contra Costa Times

“Feist’s fans will look forward to the saga’s final episode.” —Publishers Weekly

“Feist is at his best.” —Science Fiction Chronicle

“Originality and wit . . . A rollicking tale . . . Feist’s narrative skill, ingenuity at creating systems of magic, and eye for plausible military scenarios stand him in good stead. His many fans will be pleased.” —Booklist

“This simple, charming fairy tale will appeal to adult fans of the Riftwar books as well as mature teens who don’t mind a bit of romance in their sword-and-sorcery.” —Publishers Weekly

“This is a series that gets better as it goes along.” —Science Fiction Chronicle

“With his storytelling mastery and ear for colorful language and nuance, the author of numerous books set in the dual worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan here launches a series that takes his fantasy universe into a whole new phase. ” —Library Journal

“The prose is smooth, the plot is exactly what you’d expect and the characters do exactly what Feist tells them . . . File under guilty pleasure.” —The Guardian

“The most interesting character in the saga to date, Kaspar . . . another complicated and compelling protagonist . . . [W]ill have Feist fans eagerly awaiting the next installment.” —Publishers Weekly

HarperCollins Reader

When you purchase e-books from HarperCollins, you can read it on our HarperCollins Reader App that is available on your iPhone/iPad, Android or Kindle Fire.

We encourage you to use the HC Reader App since it supports our type of e-book files and you may have some trouble with a different reader app.

Instructions

Please make sure you have a HarperCollins Account. If you purchase/have purchased an e-book from HarperCollins, this is your account login and password. Otherwise, please click here to register.

Download the HC Reader App on iPhone/iPad, Android or Kindle Fire and sign in with your HarperCollins account (your username is an e-mail address). Please note that Kindle Fire users must edit their settings (Settings < Device) to allow installation of apps in order to download the HC Reader App. This App is not available in the Amazon App Store.